Acts 22:1-5 NLT
“Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the followers of the Way from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.
WOW… what a testimony!
Acts 22:6-10 NLT
“As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me. “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’
No one can dispute your story unless it is not true.
Paul has witnesses to how he was before his conversion. If they were asked about his persecution of the church, they would have to agree or they would be lying.
The greatest testimony any follower of Jesus Christ has is their changed life. This will be visible to anyone who knew you before you accepted Christ as your Savior.
If you have no witnesses to your changed life, this is something you need to bring to God because something is wrong at a heart level and Jesus is the only One qualified to change your heart.
I’ve heard it said and I wish I could give credit to who said it but it goes like this, “A changed life will change lives.”
Anyone who knew Paul, if they were honest, would say “Yes, Paul is changed man.” And I’m guessing that Paul witnessed to them and many of them came to know Christ. This is pure speculation but how could they not.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You continue to change the posture of my heart ❤️ and that it is blindingly obvious to those around me.
I pray that my life reflects the grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and that the way I live in front of others, glorifies You in every way.
I am grateful for the grace and mercy You gave bestowed on me and I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!! 🙏❤️
